Odisha Honoured as Best State for Disability Rights Implementation at National Awards 2025

New Delhi: Odisha has earned national recognition for its outstanding progress in disability rights and inclusion, securing the Best State/UT Award for Effective Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 at the National Awards Ceremony 2025. The prestigious event was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Bratati Harichandan, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, received the award from His Excellency the President of India, who honoured individuals and institutions across the country for their exemplary contributions toward empowering persons with disabilities.

Odisha’s selection for the award highlights the State’s robust initiatives in enhancing accessibility, promoting inclusion, and strengthening the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The recognition reflects the State’s consistent efforts to create a barrier-free and equitable environment through policy reforms, community engagement and innovative support systems.

While presenting the awards, the President lauded the notable accomplishments of persons with disabilities in diverse fields and called for stronger collective action to build an inclusive society that guarantees dignity, independence and equal opportunity for all.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and Union Secretary V. Vidyavati, IAS, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Both leaders reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to advancing accessibility, strengthening rights-based frameworks and empowering persons with disabilities nationwide.